**Ukraine’s Democracy Faces Collapse as Civil Society Aid Disappears**
The space for civil society and a free press is shrinking dramatically, thanks to the cuts in international aid. The United States and the European Union are reducing their support for crucial social initiatives and journalism in countries like Ukraine.
In 2023, the US administration launched a war against American aid, which had long supported social initiatives and journalism in countries in need. Following that crisis, the UK announced plans to cut international aid in order to increase defense spending. Its Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office has already cut resilience programs across Europe, including in Ukraine.
**Trend Across European Union Countries**
Similar trends are occurring across European Union countries. For example, Germany is increasing its security budget, and the new conservative government is unlikely to prioritize international humanitarian support. As Daniel Hegedus, Regional Director for Transatlantic Trusts in Central Europe at the German Marshall Fund of the U.S., recently noted, “The EU has ‘de-invested’ in civic education,” while “soft power is cheaper than actual weapons.”
**Impact on Ukraine**
The cuts in international aid have affected millions of people in Ukraine. These reductions have harmed crucial efforts to protect Ukrainians — ranging from organizations delivering HIV medication and providing PTSD treatment for veterans and civilians, to war crimes investigations and initiatives to identify children abducted by Russia, to evacuation programs in front-line cities and first aid and hostile environment training.
**Risk of Closure**
The 2402 Foundation (Daily Humanity), which I co-founded, has been providing protective gear, security, and resilience training to journalists and civil society organizations working on the frontlines — at no charge. We’ve built security resilience through innovative skills-building programs to share knowledge on resisting various threats. Now, we too are at risk of closure due to the aid cuts.
**Importance of Civil Society**
Civil society institutions have played a critical role in empowering Ukraine’s sovereignty since the collapse of the Soviet Union, especially in its resistance to authoritarianism and tyranny. Despite the ongoing war, it remains the freest and most democratic country in Eastern Europe. It’s impossible to imagine the resilience Ukrainians have shown in recent years without strong communities and journalists.
**Third Line of Defense**
Civic engagement is a third line of defense for Ukraine. With the risk of a broader war, it’s even more crucial to protect and strengthen civil society. So far, we are seeing the opposite. Cutting support now, in a time of increased risks, weakens Europe’s third line of defense.
**Conclusion**
One of the biggest lessons from this crisis should be that Ukraine was seen as a charity by American and European allies, not as a strategic partner and critical line of defense. Now, Europe is searching for ways to improve its own security. But without strong civil society institutions and an independent press, that will be impossible. It’s time to truly include Ukraine in strategic interests and build resilience together.
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